Kiran
Patel

Embarking on an undergraduate journey is a huge moment in life for a student, and for Kiran Patel from Luton, it was a leap of faith coming through clearing that has since unfolded into an extraordinary adventure.

Her decision to study BSc Chemistry (Sandwich) was not just about pursuing a degree; it was about diving into a world of learning that would shape her future and connect her with a vibrant community of like-minded people. Kiran's story reveals the twists and turns of university life, including the challenges of going to university through clearing and the adventure of studying abroad - a chapter in her life that was filled with new experiences, friendships, and a deeper understanding of the world.

With a zest for chemistry that began in her A-levels and a vision of a future in intellectual property, Kiran's decided to join NTU, a place she now calls her academic home:

Kiran: I really loved studying chemistry at  A levels, and it tied into what I wanted to do as a career in intellectual property, that’s why I chose Chemistry. I loved Nottingham as a city and had heard a lot about NTU. I had gone through clearing but it was the best decision I ever made. The most challenging was moving to a new city I didn’t know well enough and also doing my first year during covid which was difficult as I struggled to meet people and find my feet at first. At that time, our course was only in on Fridays for labs so I didn’t get to meet many of my course mates till later. But the most exciting part was starting a new chapter and getting to discover all that university had to offer such as the societies and all the events we had going on. I also liked the independence and learning to navigate this in both my studies and personal life.

We asked her what concept she enjoyed learning about most on the course:

Kiran: I really enjoyed my thesis topic of working on gold nanoparticles and how they have antimicrobial properties. The fact that I was conjugating these to defunct antibiotics and then making antimicrobial coatings was so interesting as this is something that could be used in the future to prevent MRSA (a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections because it's resistant to several antibiotics). I also enjoyed the lab work we did for organic chemistry and how the mechanisms we learnt in lectures would be the same reactions we would complete in our labs.

Kiran's journey to NTU was different from typical route, when she found herself going through Clearing. Initially, the prospect was daunting, filled with uncertainty and fear that she might not end up at a university she would be happy with:

Kiran: I was very worried at first that I would not be going to uni or going to a uni that I didn't like. I was very confused and scared. But when I called NTU they were very helpful.  At the time, I was not prepared at all. I I knew that NTU would have been my insurance, so I was inclined to look at NTU first but I had no other idea about other unis.

We asked Kiran for some tips for students who are about to go through clearing:

Kiran: Be prepared and look at what universities you can go to. I would Don't be afraid to call and ask for advice, calling is the best way to get information.

In regards to accommodation, look for it  and don't stress or worry if you go for the wrong place. If you wait long enough in the freshers week, many rooms free up in the halls of residence as people leave and these rooms will become available to you so you can still live in halls. You just may have to wait. Do not rush into finding the perfect accommodation.

Kiran's decided to take a year abroad at a university in Arizona which she discovered by a chance, influenced by a friend's application:

Kiran: I always wanted to study abroad but I didn’t know much about the process, I had found out my friend had applied and got in and had a week left so I rushed to make the perfect application, not thinking too much about it. I was limited for options in chemistry but I chose Arizona as there was only one place at that university and I didn’t think I would get it but I did! It all felt surreal, I never expected I would actually go, so the fact that I got to go and had an amazing time made it better. I had high expectations when I found out I was fully accepted after all my visa processes were completed and the expectations were exceeded. I got to learn and grow in a new environment, try new classes, meet new people and see new places and try things I never had before such as a snowboarding class with the university.

She found the academic environment in Arizona was different from NTU:

Kiran: The environment was quite different to Nottingham Trent Uni; their lectures had more people in them and there were more tests and homework was more frequent than home. However the difficulty of the work was not as hard compared to what I had learnt chemistry wise. You also go to choose your own classes, so I had to opportunity to do biology and psychology and biochemistry and even yoga classes!

Kiran faced challenges, such as the visa process and adapting to a new academic system, but these experiences enhanced her confidence and other lifelong skills:

Kiran: The main challenge before I had gone abroad was my visa process and showing the USA that I had the funds to do go there. Also the preparation work beforehand was the biggest struggle. Once I was there, I found I settled in quite quickly. I think making new friends was easy but finding people I wanted to spend time with was a bit more difficult. I also struggled with interpreting the syllabus of the university classes I had and figuring out what work was due when and what exams as there was so much more than I had ever had before but I learnt to organise this to stay on top.

I gained more confidence and became more outgoing by not being surrounded by familiar faces, which made me have to talk to new people in my classes. It developed my organisational skills, as I had to be on top of all my immigration information and visas, making sure I was doing all the correct things for my application and for my classes. I developed my problem-solving skills and I learned to stay calm when I was dealing with problems. Being on my own, I had to navigate challenges I hadn't encountered before, such as the logistics of flying in and out of the country and using my medical insurance when I had an accident. This journey broadened my global awareness, as I met many people from different countries, learned more about them and how they live and also I got an appreciation for life in America.

When Kiran stepped into the diverse and welcoming community in Arizona, she was pleasantly surprised by how effortlessly she was able to connect with people:

Kiran: I found it very easy to make friends, everyone was so friendly and kind and open to inviting me to things. I was able to integrate with my American friends and got invited to events such as thanksgiving and spring break in Mexico. The opportunities to make friends were vast and majority came from the range of classes I had with different groups of people.

During her time abroad, Kiran found support from her family and friends back home:

Kiran: My family was my biggest support system. Speaking to them most days of the  week helped me to feel less homesick. My friends back at home also helped me to do this. Keeping busy was also another thing that was helpful.

Funds often become a big reason for students who wish to study abroad. We asked Kiran how she managed her finances living far away from home:

Kiran: It was difficult but I saved up before going and would not spend money on unnecessary things. I didn’t get a meal plan and I didn’t have my own room, I shared a room. I also did my research on bursaries and SFE to make sure I had enough help with my finances.

I found it very easy to make friends, everyone was so friendly and kind and open to inviting me to things. I was able to integrate with my American friends and got invited to events such as thanksgiving and spring break in Mexico. The opportunities to make friends were vast and majority came from the range of classes I had with different groups of people.

If you want to study abroad, based on her own experience, she advises being proactive in researching your university well and balancing coursework with cultural exploration to embrace all opportunities:

Kiran: I would advise students to research where they are going and speak to the student exchange buddies and ask as many questions as they can. Research how the university system works abroad and what classes they could take. Look into what opportunities are available to you and make the most of these! When you’re there, attend all the events and speak to people whenever you can so you making friends. I would say to save up as well so that you can travel and explore throughout the year and at the end. To also set aside time to get work done or do work in groups or in different places to feel productive but also as a reminder that you are in a new place. To say yes to all opportunities, you are able to do.

Upon her return to NTU, Kiran found readjustment challenging but recommends staying busy with studies and social activities:

Kiran: It’s definitely difficult coming back to NTU after a year abroad. You’ve had so much fun and then your third year has arrived and you have to focus. Keep busy and stay on top of your work but make time for societies and social events so to ease yourself back to life in Nottingham.

She reflects on the support from NTU staff and tutors throughout her time at university, especially during her year abroad:

Kiran: My lecturers were very supportive throughout my university career and they were always there if I needed help in my studies. For my year abroad, I struggled a bit to find help as it was so many different departments I had to go back and forth to, but other than that they were so helpful.

In her free time, Kiran enjoys cheerleading at NTU and using the university gym:

Kiran: I did cheerleading at university which I found really fun and a good way to be involved in sports at the uni. I also got to meet a lovely group of girls through this. I also joined the SU gym which was a good stress reliever.

We asked Kiran what she'd like to do after graduation:

Kiran: I think I will be pursuing a masters in chemistry then looking for a grad job as a patent attorney!

Kiran describes Nottingham as unique, interesting and fun. And she recommends visiting...

Kiran: Arboretum and Wollaton park. Old market square for some shopping. The canals and the river!

You can follow Kiran journey beyond her studies on LinkedIn:

LinkedIn: Kiran Patel